Kathryn "Kate" Anne Skilbeck

Kathyrn Skilbeck, 72, of West Monroe Street, Little Falls, passed away on February 6, 2023.

Kate, or Skipper, Kathi, or AK, as she was known to her many friends and family, was born in Niagara Falls, NY, lived and worked in San Diego for most of her life, then retired to Little Falls to be near her family. She attended LaSalle High School, Niagara Falls, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972. After attending Palomar College, she worked for the County of San Diego’s Planning and Land Use Department. Kate’s long career was quite distinguished and she advocated tirelessly for women’s rights in the workplace.

Retirement was a gift of time for fishing and birdwatching, her favorite pastimes. Her role as aunt, great-aunt and grand-aunt was perhaps her greatest source of joy in life. She proudly used her nickname of AK (Aunt Kate) and acted as aunt to many young people beyond her family. Kate made friends wherever she went and held her friends dear, especially her childhood friends.

Kate was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Belshaw Skilbeck, her father, Lionel Skilbeck and her sister, Edith Little. Kate is survived by her niece, Gail Rochette, of Little Falls, nephew, David Huber, of Bloomsburg, PA, and their children, Juli Webster (Russ), Jeff Hammond (Olivia), Katie Yoder (Scott), John Hammond (Regan), Jenny Vittiglio (Mike), Jessie Hammond, and nine grand nieces and nephews.

Otters make life better and one simple, sweet stuffed otter, “Pancake,” made Kate’s last days better. The Skilbeck/Huber family asks that Kate’s friends and family consider a donation to the Utica Zoo’s Otterly Awesome Otter Exhibit in her memory. Donations may be made via their website www.uticazoo.org/donate/ or mailed to 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501. Kate's wishes are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.